Skinmatters

Skinmatters was founded in 2000 by a group of school friends in response to one of their group being diagnosed with Mycosis Fungoides (MF). An extremely rare cancer of the blood, MF manifests itself primarily in the skin and is notoriously difficult to diagnose.

Skinmatters is currently raising money to fund a three year research programme into the diagnosis and treatment of MF at the Skin Tumour Unit, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. The Unit leads the field in research into many dermatological disorders including malignant melanoma. They have recently appointed a PhD student to do T-Plastin work which the Skinmatters team has contributed funding towards.

The steep route to recovery

When most people think about Marbella, they probably envisage sandy beaches, golf clubs and holiday resorts. For 35 year old Emma Banning, who has lived there for four years, the La Concha (or shell) Mountain now looms largest in her thoughts. An inexperienced climber, Emma took on La Concha in a bid to raise funds for Skinmatters.

At 1,215m high La Concha is not the Sierra Blanca range's tallest peak, but it is a notoriously difficult climb, with exposed ridges, vertical walls and a rocky summit. Emma's path was treacherous: "It was so dangerous at one point that I actually felt like I needed proper climbing ropes – my vertigo kicked in good and proper."

It took the walkers four hours to reach the summit and three to get back down. Despite the difficulties Emma enjoyed the climb: "La Concha is very close to where I live, and such a dramatic landmark. I though it was about time I got up there to check out the view, and do something energetic and selfless for a change.

"When our friend Julia was diagnosed with MF the symptoms weren’t very nice for her, and of course the thought of cancer was terrifying. There could be more people suffering from the disease than is realised, so if I can contribute to finding a cure by conquering my fear of heights, I'll gladly do it."

Emma climbed with friends Nicky and Andy, who alsraised sponsorship for Skinmatters.

Sky's the limit

Katie Jeffe has jumped out of an aeroplane. Not, as she puts it "because I enjoy jumping out of the sky or am mildly mad", but in aid of the Skinmatters research programme.

Katie was accompanied by two other extreme fund raisers (JB and Lenny) who also dived through the clouds screaming.

The sky dive Team has collectively raised just over £2500 for Skinmatters.

To make a donation or find out how your legacy could help, please use the secure donation form, or contact the Fundraising Team on Tel: 020 7188 1204, e-mail: Fundraising Team.